Fire Facts

The Aspen Center for Environmental Studies has developed a four-minute, animated short film, "What’s Happening in Our Forest?" to raise awareness about forest-health issues among the public and policymakers.

A Look Inside Wildland Fire: A 5-part series exploring the work of managing wildland fire to protect and conserve wildlife and the lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Managing wildland fire is tough and dangerous work. Do you ever wonder what really happens to deer, bears, and other wildlife in the path of a wildfire? Who keeps controlled burns under control, and how they do it? What it takes to do the job of a wildland firefighter? Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a glimpse into the world of wildland fire management to see what this important work is all about.

Part 1: Wildfire and Animals: What's the Real Story? What does wildlife do when lightning sparks wildfire or people are careless with matches and campfires? This 4:00 minute video, narrated by smokejumper Mike McMillan, looks at wildfire from the animals' point of view.

Part 2: Stepping into a Controlled Burn.How does the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service keep controlled burns under control? This 4:30 minute video, narrated by fire information officer Karen Miranda Gleason, gives an inside look at what goes into planning and conducting a prescribed fire.

Part 3: With wildfires already bearing down on national wildlife refuges in the Southeast, and a large wildfire still burning from last year at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, this timely videocast is 3rd in a 5-part series A Look Inside Wildland Fire. This series explores the work of managing wildland fire to protect and conserve wildlife and the lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. How does someone work long, hard hours next to flames and smoke, without being worse for the wear? In this 3:00 minute video, fire crew member Kaili McCray, provides an in-depth view of the personal protective equipment worn by all wildland fire personnel on the fireline.

Part 4: Part 4: What's in the Bag? - A Look at Wildland Fireline Gear. What do you pack for a trip to the fireline? This 3:00 minute video, narrated by fire training specialist Russ Babiak, offers a peek at the interesting array of items a typical wildland firefighter carries on the job.

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Tools of the Trade -- Part 5 of 5 -- A Look at Wildland Firefighting Tools. What does it take to control a fire gone wild? This 3:00 minute video, narrated by fire engine boss Christina Haydon, shows how wildland firefighters use specialized tools and techniques to tame the flames.

Benefits of Prescribed Burning

The General Assembly recognizes that prescribed burning of forestlands is a management tool that is beneficial to North Carolina's public safety, forest and wildlife resources, environment, and economy in the NC Prescribed Burn Act GS 133-6.

Many of North Carolina's natural ecosystems require periodic fire for their survival. Prescribed burning is essential to the perpetuation, restoration, and management of many plant and animal communities. Fire consumes plant matter which releases nutrients. The nutrients increase the growth and yield of plants that provide forage and an area for escape and brooding and that satisfy other habitat needs. Prescribed burning benefits game, nongame, and endangered wildlife species by enhancing wildlife habitat.

Forestlands are economic, biological, and aesthetic resources of statewide significance. In addition to reducing the frequency and severity of wildfires, prescribed burning of forestlands helps to prepare sites for replanting and natural seeding, to control insects and diseases, and to increase productivity.

Prescribed burning enhances the resources on public use lands, such as State and national forests, wildlife refuges, nature preserves, and game lands as well as private lands managed for similar purposes.

Prescribed fire reduces the naturally occurring buildup of vegetative fuels on forestlands, thereby reducing the risk and severity of wildfires and lessening the loss of life and property.